Strengths-Based Social Work Assessment: Transforming the Dominant Paradigm

Abstract

This is a review of some of the conflicts between traditional problem-based assessments and alternative, strengths-based approaches. It offers useful tools and strategies for incorporating client-centered, strengths-based practice in settings where social workers are required to use assessment processes based on the medical model and deficit-based language of psychopathology and the DSM. It also promotes a process of infiltrating, influencing, and transforming the of assessment process so that it reflects a more holistic and strengths-based social work perspective. Examples are provided for incorporating the strengths perspective in practice.